“Near to the Heart of God” admonishes that "The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.” despite whatever we are facing –Psalm 145:18.

Tragedy struck Cleland’s family when his brother– Howard’s two infant daughters died from diphtheria within 24 hours of each other. The family turned to Cleland, who was a pastor, for consolation.

The situation was made even more difficult by the fact that his brother’s house had to be quarantined to prevent the spread of the terrifying disease. People were unable to go inside to express their condolences, and the parents were not permitted to leave the house to attend the double funeral service for their girls.

Cleland sat up very late, praying and pondering what he could say in a sermon the following Sunday and what kind of music he could compose to bring comfort to his family and the congregation. This wonderful hymn was the outcome of his meditation.

The choir learned it at the regular Saturday night rehearsal, and afterward they went to Howard’s home and sang it as they stood under the sky outside the darkened, quarantined house. It was sung again on Sunday morning at Cleland’s church.

“Near to the Heart of God” admonishes that "The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.” despite whatever we are facing –Psalm 145:18.

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